Moremi Reflects On Bafana World Cup Assist Ahead Of Pirates Opener
Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi says he remains immensely proud of his contribution to Bafana Bafana’s historic run to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Moremi came off the bench in the second half to deliver a precise cross across the face of goal for Thapelo Maseko, who unleashed a powerful strike to seal a 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final group stage match.
The 25-year-old’s match-winning assist against South Korea was delivered in the 63rd minute—just a minute after coming on for Oswin Appollis—marking his first direct goal contribution at a FIFA World Cup tournament.
After a slow start in North America—losing 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico and drawing with Czechia—South Africa secured a crucial win against South Korea, etching their name in the history books and securing their first-ever passage to the World Cup knockout rounds.
Bafana Bafana’s fairytale campaign eventually came to an end in the Round of 32, following a heartbreaking late 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Canada.
Reflecting on his role on the global stage, Moremi expressed deep pride in contributing to South African football history.
“I’m really proud of myself because it wasn’t easy,” Moremi said.
“I’m just glad that everything we worked on paid off. Now my focus is on achieving even more. But going to the World Cup and providing that assist brought so much joy to my family, my friends, and everyone who has supported me.
“Even people back at my former club, AmaZulu, sent messages saying, ‘Congratulations, we made history.’”
Moremi entered the World Cup high on confidence after a stellar domestic campaign with Pirates. The Buccaneers completed a clean sweep of domestic silverware, capturing the MTN8, the Carling Knockout, and the prized Betway Premiership title—ending a 14-year league drought.
The historic treble was Pirates’ first in 14 years, making them the first club in the PSL era to achieve the feat three times.
With Pirates set to open their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign against newly promoted Milford at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, the Sharpeville-born attacker expressed gratitude for being part of the Sea Robbers’ legacy.
“Winning the treble with the boys isn’t something that happens to everyone,” he added. “To win three trophies in a single season is extremely tough—it requires immense effort. I’m just grateful we managed to pull it off.”
Moremi—who has scored once in 12 senior caps for Bafana Bafana—was a key figure in Pirates’ treble-winning squad last season, featuring 39 times while contributing 11 goals and five assists.
